Load Bearing Bracket for Adjustable Gear Bags

ABSTRACT

A load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags comprises a base bracket having a plurality of openings disposed therein. The openings are arranged in columns and rows. A top row consists of uniformly sized openings and alternates with another row of uniformly but different sized openings. This arrangement maximizes adjustability when attaching a variety of holding items such as Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) bags or other equipment bags or holders. The base bracket is mounted using bolts, rivets or other fasteners to a vehicle. The equipment bags have an attached strap that fits within the openings to secure them therein. A plurality of large adjustment openings are disposed along a bottom portion of the base bracket allowing a user to insert a hand to guide and secure the straps. A snap on the bottom of the strap secures the free end of the strap to the bag.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority and herein incorporates by reference U.S. provisional patent application 60/958,699, filed Jul. 9, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Since the introduction of the Ford Model T, the history of the motorized vehicle includes many important improvements for safety and convenience. Almost as soon as the first drivers took to the roads, they started carrying things. Since the vehicles broke down often, most came with a basic tool kit. The problem of carrying things safely in a vehicle is a serious problem since when involved in an accident; anything not secured can become a deadly projectile.

The introduction of a trunk in an automobile was a reasonable solution to this problem, but Sport Utility Vehicles (SUVs) and vans do not have this option. Additionally, these types of vehicles are even more likely to have a need to carry many items since these vehicles are often used in more extreme situations such as off-road activities. There is a need for an easy to use device to carry and secure items in a vehicle that allows easy access to the items while organizing and securing the items even in the case of an accident or extreme activity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags comprises a base bracket having a plurality of openings disposed therein. The openings are arranged in columns and rows. A top row consists of uniformly sized openings and alternates with another row of uniformly but different sized openings. This arrangement maximizes adjustability when attaching a variety of holding items such as Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) bags or other equipment bags or holders. The base bracket is mounted using bolts, rivets or other fasteners to a vehicle. The equipment bags have an attached strap that fits within the openings to secure them therein. A plurality of large adjustment openings are disposed along a bottom portion of the base bracket allowing a user to insert a hand to guide and secure the straps. A snap on the bottom of the strap secures the free end of the strap to the bag.

Other features and advantages of the instant invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which refers to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an illustration of a load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an illustration of a load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags mounted in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an illustration of a load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags mounted in a vehicle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a side view of a load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a side view of a load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags according to an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to like elements, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, a load bearing bracket for adjustable gear bags 100 comprises a base bracket 110 with a plurality of openings arranged in rows and columns. A row of oval openings 120, 124, 128 and 132 are uniform in size and alternate with rows of smaller openings 122, 126 and 130 respectively. A plurality of large adjustment openings 134 are disposed along a bottom portion of base bracket 110 and allow a user to insert his or her hand therein.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 through 4, a MOLLE bag 136 is shown attached to base bracket 110 with straps 146 that are inserted in the openings in base bracket 110 to secure MOLLE bag 136 therein. Two snap closures 148 secure MOLLE bag 136 flap. Of course other securing means could be used such as hook and loop closures, magnetic or other snaps as is known in the art. Base bracket 110 is shown ready for attachment to a vehicle (not shown) by bolts 142 and spacers 144. Holes are drilled into the body of the vehicle to secure base bracket 110 therein. Of course other attachment methods would be suitable as is known in the art such as magnetic attachments, suction cups or mounting brackets that fit in a window track as long as base bracket is securely attached to the vehicle.

Now referring to FIG. 5, a plurality of MOLLE bags 136, 138 and 141 respectively are mounted on base bracket 110 as shown using straps 146, 150 and 141. Other arrangements and configurations are possible such as tool mounts, gun holders, containers, etc. and would be mounted in the same manner as discussed above.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, base bracket 110 is shown mounted to a vehicle door 154. Strips 146 are shown inserted in row 120 and 132. Two other strips 150 are shown partially inserted in base bracket 110. Of course base bracket 110 can be mounted to other areas of a vehicle including interior and exterior surfaces. All kinds of vehicles are suitable for use with the present invention such as cars, trucks, boats, ATV's and others.

Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, base bracket 310 is attached to vehicle 154 with rivets 810. Of course other attachment means are suitable as is known in the art as long as base bracket 310 is securely mounted therein. In use, a user inserts a hand 210 in through adjustment opening 134 which is large enough to accommodate hand 210. In the method shown, strap 146 is woven through opening 120 then back out through opening 124; then through opening 128 and finally back out through opening 132. The user reaches hand 210 through opening 134 to push a snap closure 220 against snap 225 with is attached to MOLLE bag 136. This secures MOLLE bag 136 to base bracket 310. As discussed above, other securing methods may be used such as hook and loop, magnetic closures, etc. as is known in the art.

Additionally, the user can select how many openings to weave through depending on the level of attachment desired. For example, the user could simply insert the strap through the top and bottom openings only or through every opening depending on the specific use and conditions.

Base bracket 110 or 310 respectively is made of aluminum, but may also be made of any suitable material such as steel, plastic, composite materials like carbon fibers, fiberglass or other suitable materials. A finish powder coat may be applied as is known in the art to aesthetically enhance the base present invention.

Although the instant invention has been described in relation to particular embodiments thereof, many other variations and modifications and other uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. 

1. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear comprising: a base bracket; said base bracket having a plurality of openings; said plurality of openings being arranged in columns and rows; a row of adjusting openings having a size selected to allow a user to reach inside said adjusting opening wherein adjustments are made; at least one holding means; said holding means having at least one securing strap; said securing strap being fixedly attached at an end thereon; and said at least one securing strap being adapted to fit within said plurality of openings wherein said holding means is secured therein.
 2. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of openings are arranged in alternating rows of at least two different sized openings.
 3. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 2 wherein said holding means is an equipment bag.
 4. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 2 wherein said holding means is a MOLLE bag.
 5. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 1 wherein said holding means has a securing means disposed on a free end therein.
 6. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 5 wherein said securing means is a snap.
 7. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 5 wherein said securing means is a hook and loop fastener.
 8. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 1 further comprising a mounting means for attaching said base bracket to a vehicle.
 9. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 8 wherein said mounting means comprises bolts fixedly attached to said vehicle.
 10. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 1 wherein said plurality of openings comprise alternating rows of at least two different size openings.
 11. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 1 wherein said row of adjustment openings are disposed along a bottom portion of said base bracket.
 12. A method of securing items in a vehicle comprising the steps of: installing a base bracket in a vehicle; obtaining; inserting a strap disposed on an equipment bag into an opening disposed along a selected column in said base bracket; guiding said strap by inserting a hand in an adjustment opening disposed in said base bracket wherein said strap is removeably secured therein; and snapping said strap to a snap disposed on said equipment bag to removeably secure said equipment bag therein.
 13. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear comprising: a base bracket fixedly attached to a vehicle having a plurality of securing openings arranged in a selected pattern; said selected pattern comprising a plurality of rows and columns with alternating rows being of at least two different size openings; at least one holder; said at least one holder having at least one strap disposed thereon; a row of adjustment openings disposed along a bottom portion of said base bracket wherein a user may fit a hand to adjust and guide said at least one strap through said openings; and securing said at least one strap with a securing means.
 14. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 13 wherein said securing means is a snap disposed on a free end of said at least one strap.
 15. A load bearing bracket for organizing and securing gear according to claim 13 wherein said securing means is a hook and loop fastener disposed on a free end of said at least one strap. 